Model year record

2009 Mazda CX-9 recalls & problems

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 has 7 safety recalls and 59 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (17 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints59filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

2009 Mazda CX-9 in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

4 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA do not drive advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Air bagsOct 31, 2019

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 19V78200069,879 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2007-2012 CX-7, CX-9, and 2009-2012 Maza6 vehicles. These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2019. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 16V356 and 17V012.

Air bagsJan 9, 2018

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 18V01800070,227 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2013 Mazda6 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, unless covered in "Zone A," Mazda is recalling certain 2010 Mazda6, CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, unless covered in Zone A or Zone B, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 Mazda6, CX-7, and CX-9 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2018. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F.

Air bagsJul 18, 2017

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 17V45700079,402 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2012 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2009 CX-7, CX-9 and Mazda6 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Mazda is recalling certain 2007-2008 CX-7 and CX-9 sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 17V-012.

Air bagsJun 29, 2017

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 17V429000205,377 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

NHTSA advisory: do not drive affected vehicles until repaired.

Problem: Mazda North America Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2009-2011 Mazda6, and 2007-2011 CX-7 and CX-9 vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on August 30, 2017. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 1317F. Note: This recall supersedes recall 16V356 and all vehicles that were not remedied under that campaign are now covered by this one.

SuspensionJul 20, 2015

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 15V451000193,484 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 2007-2014 CX-9 vehicles manufactured October 24, 2006, to December 28, 2013. The affected vehicles have front suspension ball joints that may corrode from water leaking into the fitting.
Risk: Over time, the ball joint corrosion may result in the front lower control arm separating from the ball joint, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both the left and right lower control arms, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. The recall will begin with model year 2007-2009 vehicles registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The second phase will be for model year 2010-2014 vehicles in the same states. Finally, all remaining vehicles will be remedied. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda's number for this recall is 8515G.

Components: Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint; Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm

EquipmentApr 2, 2009

Equipment

Recall 09E0110002,323 vehicles

Problem: THULE, INC. IS RECALLING 2,323 OWNER-INSTALLED ROOF-MOUNTED FIT KITS, MODELS 3068 AND 3069, MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2008 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2009 THAT ARE USED WITH THULE PODIUM FOOT PACKS, MODELS 460 AND 460R. THESE FIT KITS WERE SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE BOLT(S) USED TO SECURE THE FOOT TO THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED TO A HARDNESS THAT MAY CAUSE THE BOLT(S) TO BE BRITTLE AND POTENTIALLY BREAK UNDER STRESS.
Risk: THIS MAY RESULT IN THE BOLT(S) SNAPPING OFF DURING USE OR WITHOUT A LOAD. THE UNSECURED RACK AND LOAD CAN THEN COME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING CREATING A POTENTIAL ROAD HAZARD, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: THULE WILL MAIL A RETRO FIT KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS TO OWNERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THULE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-238-2388.

Electrical systemFeb 23, 2009

Wiring › Interior/under dash

Recall 09V06600030,600 vehicles

Problem: MAZDA IS RECALLING 30,600 MY 2007-2009 CX9 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH POWER ADJUSTABLE SEAT WITH POSITION MEMORY FUNCTION. THE SEAT HARNESS ROUTED UNDERNEATH THE SEAT CUSHION MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT COVER BRACKET WHICH IS ATTACHED ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION. DUE TO THIS THE COVERING OF THE SEAT HARNESS MAY BE DAMAGED, THE CORE WIRE OF THE HARNESS MAY TOUCH WITH THE BRACKET AND RESULT IN SHORT CIRCUIT.
Risk: DRIVERS WILL EXPERIENCE CERTAIN FUNCTIONS THAT ARE UNCONTROLLABLE WHICH WILL CAUSE SERIOUS DIFFICULTIES IN DRIVING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT HARNESS AND FASTEN THE SEAT FRAME WITH A CABLE TIE. THE HARNESS COVERING WILL BE REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MARCH 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2009 Mazda CX-9 4-DR.w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	14.3%

2009 Mazda CX-9 NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

CX-9 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

CX-9 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Typical mileage*
Service brakes	17	1	100,900 mi
Air bags	16	1	—
Suspension	6	0	70,000 mi
Power train	6	0	86,700 mi
Engine	4	0	105,343 mi
TiresPressure monitoring and regulating systems	3	0	—
Exterior lightingTail lights	3	0	30 mi
Steering	2	0	—
Seat belts	2	0	—
Wheels	2	0	—
Unknown or other	2	0	—
Vehicle speed control	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Seat belts
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the locking mechanism for both the 3 row driver side and passenger side seat belts locking mechanisms was not present. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 217,400.
Jun 2, 2026 · 217,400 miles
Suspension
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated the brake pads and rotors were replaced; however, the abnormal sound persisted. The contact called and informed the dealer of the issue however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V451000 (Suspension) as a possible solution for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Dec 15, 2023 · 120,000 miles
Tires
October 2021 purchase 2 Cooper Evolution H/T All-Season 245/60R18. With less than 8k miles, both tires developed deformities/bulging on upper sidewal/tread,line intersect, causing vehicle to shimmy. The dot #'s of both tires are up83 1LE 1021 . Tires have a 60k warranty. Cooper tires issues two safety recalls due to sidewall deformities on this tire model, same plant, but in a different sizes. February 26, 2021 cooper tires has issued yet another safety recall on this exact model tire but in a different size. The 2 cooper evolution HT tires seem to also have sidewall defects. I feel that the bulging tires are a safety hazard due to manufacturing defects. I would like to have my 245/60r18…
Sep 9, 2022
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Pump
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda CX9. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hot engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and added coolant to the reservoir and waited for the engine to cool down. The warning light remained illuminated. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the water pump on the vehicle not working as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Sep 19, 2021 · 120,000 miles
Tires
WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL, DRY CONDITIONS ON HIGHWAY 540 IN NORTH CAROLINA, MY RIGHT REAR COPPER CS5 ULTRA TOURING TIRE CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED AND SEPARATED THE TREAD COMPLETELY FROM THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE ON MY 2009 MAZDA CX-9.
Feb 3, 2021
Power train
WHILE PULLING A SMALL TRAILER THE CAR STOPPED UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC THE TRANSFER CASE SHATTERED INTO PIECES
Jun 23, 2020 · 150,000 miles
Service brakes
MY BRAKES STARTED FEELING SPONGY BUT HARD TO PUSH WHEN I WOULD TRY TO COME TO A STOP. IT FELT AT TIMES LIKE MY CAR WASN'T GOING TO STOP. I STOPPED DRIVING IT AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS REPLACED. AT THAT TIME, I LOST BRAKES COMPLETELY. THE BRAKE PEDDLE GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WHEN PRESSED. HOPEFULLY THE BOOSTER IS A BAD ONE.
Jun 26, 2020 · 115,000 miles
Service brakes
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. IT WORKS FOR AWHILE AND THEN STOPS WORKING. WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKE LIGHT MAY OR MY NOT COME ON AND THAT IS WHILE SITTING STILL OR WHILE THE CAR IS MOVING. I HAVE REPLACED THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES.
Dec 28, 2019 · 135,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Lower ball joint separationClosedLed to recall 15V451000
In an July 7,2015 letter to NHTSA, Mazda identified a safety defect that could result in lower ball joint separation in approximately 193,484 model year (MY) 2007 through 2014 Mazda CX-9 vehicles (NHTSA Recall No. 15V-451,Mazda 8515G).Mazda indicated that damage to the ball joint boot may allow water to enter the front suspension ball joint fitting during use which may result in premature ball joint wear and a progressively looser joint.In January 2014, Mazda implemented redesigned lower control arms in production vehicles to improve the durability of the lower ball joints.The redesign involved changing the shape of the top surface of the ball joint boot cover and adding a suspension plate to the undersurface of the knuckle.Mazda's recall will replace the defect lower control arms with the redesigned parts.ODI's analysis of information collected during PE15-022 identified a total of 62…
PE15022 · opened Jun 9, 2015 · closed Aug 20, 2015